Justine Henin Demands Severe Punishment for ‘Ridiculous’ Behavior from Daniil Medvedev at the US Open

Justine Henin has strongly criticized Daniil Medvedev following his behavior during a dramatic first-round loss at the 2025 US Open. The former world No 1 fell in five sets to France’s Benjamin Bonzi, with the match filled with controversy and heated exchanges. Henin stated that this was not the first time Medvedev had “crossed the line” and argued that he often receives more leniency than other players.

The clash took place on Louis Armstrong Stadium, where Bonzi led by two sets and served for the match in the third. At match point, a photographer entered the court, forcing the umpire Greg Allensworth to replay the first serve.

Medvedev erupted in anger, shouting at the official and trying to fire up the crowd. The incident caused a long delay and shifted the momentum of the match. Henin said on Eurosport France:

It’s not the first time he’s gone too far, so I’m finally surprised to hear [people say] that this time, Daniil Medvedev has really gone too far…He can’t manage his frustration at all anymore, it’s making him explode, it’s becoming extremely difficult for him and quite ridiculous.

Medvedev capitalised by taking the third set in a tiebreak and then running through the fourth set as Bonzi began to show signs of fatigue. For a moment, it looked like the Russian would complete a stunning comeback. But in the deciding set, he twice lost a break lead and began cramping in his hand. Bonzi held his nerve and secured a memorable five-set victory. She added:

And then you have to listen to his reactions in press conferences where bad faith is present…He should have been sanctioned much more severely a long time ago. And there, we will see what will happen, but it would be well deserved.”

Frustration boiled over for Medvedev, who smashed his racket and refused to leave his chair during Bonzi’s victory interview. The defeat marked his third straight opening-round exit at a Grand Slam and saw him slip further down the rankings.

Daniil Medvedev in the entry list for Hangzhou Open

The Asian leg of the ATP Tour begins with the 2025 Hangzhou Open, set to take place from September 17 to 23 in Hangzhou, China. This ATP 250 tournament was first staged in 2024, with former US Open champion Marin Cilic winning the title by defeating Zhizhen Zhang in the final. The event will host 28 singles players and 16 doubles teams at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre, located about 200 kilometers from Shanghai.

Cilic is expected to return and defend his crown. The Croatian veteran, now 36, is looking to prove he can still compete at a high level. His season so far has been mixed, with a 5-5 match record and a quarterfinal appearance in Dubai marking his best run of 2025. His experience and resilience will once again make him a strong contender in Hangzhou.

The field also features another Grand Slam champion, Daniil Medvedev. The Russian lifted his only major trophy at the 2021 US Open but has endured a disappointing season in 2025. He will be eager to find momentum in Asia. Medvedev will not be alone, as compatriots Karen Khachanov, who takes the top seed, and Andrey Rublev are also confirmed for the event.

The lineup promises plenty of variety and excitement. French players Corentin Moutet, Adrian Mannarino, and Arthur Cazaux are set to compete, while Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik will bring flair with his unpredictable game.

Italian Matteo Berrettini, a former Wimbledon finalist, is also in the draw as he continues his comeback from injury setbacks. With such a mix of talent, the Hangzhou Open looks set to be a highlight of the ATP’s Asian swing.

Daniil Medvedev ends horrific Grand Slam year

Daniil Medvedev’s 2025 Grand Slam season ended in disappointment as he fell to Benjamin Bonzi in a five-set thriller at the US Open. The former world No. 1 managed just one win across all four majors this year and bowed out in New York after a 6-3, 7-5, 6-7(5), 0-6, 6-4 defeat. Despite showing flashes of brilliance, his campaign was plagued by inconsistency and errors, highlighted by 64 unforced mistakes in this match alone.

The contest was filled with drama, especially late in the third set when Bonzi had match point. A disruption in the stadium caused a long pause, and Medvedev used the moment to turn the tide. He broke serve, took the tiebreak, and even won the fourth set in dominant fashion. The Russian celebrated with heart gestures to the crowd, who roared behind him during the turnaround.

But the final set slipped away from Medvedev despite holding an early break. He lost serve twice and struggled to maintain control as Bonzi stayed composed under pressure. The Frenchman, guided by his new coach Nicolas Mahut, saved multiple break points before sealing victory. It marked his second consecutive major win over Medvedev after also beating him at Wimbledon earlier in the summer.

For Medvedev, the loss continued a troubling trend of early exits at Grand Slams. After a narrow first-round win at the Australian Open, he suffered defeats to Learner Tien in Melbourne, Cameron Norrie in Paris, and Bonzi twice on grass and hard courts. His frustration was clear in New York, where he hurled several rackets into the crowd after the match, closing a season he will want to quickly forget.

Also Read: Boris Becker Urges Daniil Medvedev to Get Professional Help After Meltdown at US Open